Direct Heat Smoker Build

Here's our direct heat smoker/grill. The way this unit is fabricated, it allows the pit master to cook hot and fast without the worry of burning whatever protein is on the grill due to the height at which said grill sits above the fire/coals (18"). It can also be used for offset cooking, which is why it has two stacks. The pit master can build a fire off to either side of the unit, opening the damper on the same side, but closing the stack directly above. The protein is then placed on the opposite side of the grill, with the stack above that open, and the damper below closed, thus allowing an offset flow of heat and smoke. NOTE This unit was originally based on a model sold by Chud's BBQ out of Austin, Texas. If you're watching this video, we're certain you're familiar with Chud's BBQ here on TH-cam! "There's a snake in my boot!" Channel.
As always, if interested in this or any other smoker, and are in Southern Ontario, Canada contact us, and we'll be happy to answer any questions.
#directheatsmoker
#bbq
#metalfabrication
Email: [e-mail]
Insta: @apexcustomsmokerz
Twitter: @apexcustomsmoke
FB: Apex Custom Smokers

[@BBBarbecueandPits]

Building one of these right now bud. Good video!!

[@apexcustomsmokers]

Thanks man! Can't wait to see yours! Cheers 🍻

[@huxmetalworks7371]

Great work cooker look amazing

[@bigal7373]

Hey Chud box rip off! Awesome

[@ajsironworks3937]

Like your build videos man. Keep them coming. You got good hands bro.

[@apexcustomsmokers]

Thanks Adam! I appreciate it!

[@BSBBQue]

Thanks for sharing man. It looks great.

[@apexcustomsmokers]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@perseusmarangos8714]

I would love to see how this unit performs!

[@apexcustomsmokers]

I am currently finishing off a 40 gallon then I'm replacing my personal direct heat smoker, videos to follow!

[@boathousesmokers2336]

Nice job...

[@apexcustomsmokers]

Thank you!

[@DavidGriffin]

Aye... I wanna see it run

[@apexcustomsmokers]

Thanks for watching! Was just going to direct you to my video of burning in my personal unit, but I just seen your comment on that particular video.

[@vikingironworks9261]

Gday mate 🇦🇺

[@apexcustomsmokers]

Good day! 🇨🇦

[@larrycopenhaver]

i am building one right now

[@apexcustomsmokers]

Awesome! You'll love it I guarantee it!

[@chriscrockerwhite]

Great work! I'm thinking about making one of these too. What dimensions did you end up using? The proportions look a bit different to the mini Chudbox.

[@apexcustomsmokers]

Thank you! If I remember correctly this one was 28" wide by 24" deep by 28" high. But if I may make a suggestion, if you plan on doing low and slow cooks on it, it's much easier to maintain lower temps with a wider unit, 36" is what we're building them at now unless the person doesn't have room or isn't using it for low and slow cooks. That is why it has different proportions to Chud's mini direct heat smoker, as well as why we added the second stack. My personal unit I've been using for a year now measures 27" wide, and I can maintain a 250° temp, however it requires a lot more supervision than a wider unit does. Would love to see your final product though! If you share it online please tag me, I'm on Insta as well. Cheers 🍻

[@chriscrockerwhite]

@@apexcustomsmokers wow thanks for all the information! I already have a home-built offset so this won't be my primary low and slow cooker, but I do intend to do some. I'm planning for 30" wide by 18" deep and to do the two stacks as you did, and might try putting in some angle iron lower down for baffle plates, but we'll see how it comes together. I'll probably post a video of the build on my channel when I get it done.

[@ryanbridgeman6576]

Would you put a removeable heat deflector plate in above the fire aswel for when being used as an upright offset

[@apexcustomsmokers]

Yes, I do actually include one.

[@ikkeme4444]

When you make a smoker do you remove all the mill scale inside and out? And how do you remove it?

[@apexcustomsmokers]

Hi, we use cold rolled plate for all our smokers, so there isn't millscale on it. The only thing we really have millscale on which needs removing is the angle for the racks, and for that 60 grit flapdisc takes it off fairly quickly.

[@deanvoss7098]

How much $$$..??

[@apexcustomsmokers]

Shoot me an email to discuss please [e-mail]
Thanks.